Tennessee Wesleyan Sneaks Past Brenau

Athens, TN - Amy Jo Castor hit two free throws with no time left on the clock tonight to lift Tennessee Wesleyan (10-3) to a 54-53 win over Brenau University (8-3). Gabby Harvey (Lilburn) and Nikki Reed (Atlanta) turned in double doubles for the Tigers with Harvey going for 14 points and 11 rebounds and Reed chipping in with 13 and 11. Tanya Khudiakova returned from her illness to score 11 points and block four shots.

Neither team shot the ball very well, with the Tigers connecting on 23-61 (.377) and the Bulldogs hitting 21-57 (.368). Both teams were also cold from outside the arc, with BU at 4-18 and TWC hitting 3-15. Brenau won the rebounding battle 42-34 and had a second straight game with less than 20 turnovers, with 16.

The Tigers got off to a fast start and led the whole first half, opening up a 26-19 halftime lead, but the Bulldogs raced right back after the intermission and tied the score at 30. From that point on, it was tight and Brenau took a 53-52 lead with 2.7 seconds left, before Castor's heroics snatched the win away.

"I was really pleased with our defensive effort, particularly in the first half, said Coach Gary Bays. "We continue to struggle offensively, both around the basket and from long range and that has to improve if we hope to contend in the conference. We aren't turning the ball over as much and we consistently dominate the boards, so we are getting better."

Brenau will open SSAC play this Saturday when they host Brewton Parker at the Tiger Gym with the tipoff scheduled for 2 pm.